Venus: With fashion you have to push the envelope

The Tennis Space

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Venus Williams talks fashion, the Olympics and the US Open: “Winning the doubles gold medal with Serena has really built my confidence and I can’t wait to play at the Open.” This interview is extracted from a piece Venus did with Pat Cash for CNN’s Open Court.

Venus on taking risks with her fashion: “I’ve had some favourite things, and I’ve had some things like why did I do that? That’s fashion, though, and it wouldn’t be fashion if sometimes you didn’t, you know, push the envelope. The Alice in Wonderland dress [which she wore at the Australian Open one year] was definitely – it was out of this world, but it was fun and served its purpose.”

Venus on her fashion line EleVen: “I’m in charge of the whole creative process, so nothing goes ahead unless, you know, I approved it. I went to school for fashion design. It took me eight years to get out of there.”

Venus on growing up in Compton, Los Angeles: “My address was 1117, so I’ll never forget that, 1117 East Stockton Street . Wow. I’ve come a long way since then, but I’ll never forget my roots.”

Venus on winning the doubles gold medal at the Olympics: “I had to get to the Olympics. I had to defend our doubles medal. That was so important to me, to play with Serena. I would have been so heartbroken if I would have been at home watching. When I win, I am usually all smiles and laugher, but I would say that was the most emotional moment for me.”

Venus on her hopes for the US Open: “The Olympics really built my confidence. I played I think some of my best tennis of the year, at the top of my game again. So that’s why I can’t wait to play the Open.”